Blended Green Lemonade

It features all of the ingredients that I love in my usual green juice, but because it’s blended, it still retains all of the fiber of the fruits and vegetables, making it a more filling breakfast option.

I’m often asked what the difference is between green juices and green smoothies, and which is the better option. The answer is that they’re both beneficial, but for different reasons. A juicer removes the fiber from the fruits and vegetables, leaving us with a nutrient dense green drink that can be immediately absorbed by our cells, without involving the digestive system. Juicing is a great option for people who need to rest their digestive system, or for those who want to participate in intermittent fasting, while still getting a healthy dose of nutrition.

A blender, on the other hand, pulverizes the fruits and vegetables, including the fiber content, resulting in a thicker, more filling drink. Smoothies are ideal for anyone who wants to sneak in a few extra servings of fresh produce into their day, and can be beneficial for those with compromised digestion. There are some who believe the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are better consumed with their fiber in tact, for balanced blood sugar levels, making green smoothies a popular option. Smoothies also require less produce than juices, making them more budget-friendly.

Personally, I love both options, but my preferences usually change with the seasons. When it’s chilly outside, I typically want a more filling meal, so a thick smoothie fits the bill. When it’s warmer outside, I’ll enjoy a green juice as a light breakfast, and later, I may have a hearty smoothie as a more filling lunch or post-workout snack.

Whichever your preference, this smoothie is a delicious and refreshing option!

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until completely smooth. (You may need to use a tamper to help the ingredients reach the blades.)

Add more water, if needed to facilitate blending, then serve immediately.

*Note: If you do not have access to a high-powered blender, I recommend blending the leafy greens and water first, until they are completely broken down, before adding the fruit and ice to the mix. Also, you may prefer using spinach, rather kale, as it will dissolve into the smoothie more seamlessly.

This green smoothie features all of the ingredients that I love in my usual green juice, but because it's blended, it still retains all of the fiber of the fruits and vegetables, making it a more filling breakfast option.

Ingredients

¾ cup water

1-2 kale leaves, stems removed

½ romaine heart

½ cucumber, chopped

¼ ripe avocado

½ apple, cored

1 frozen banana

juice of 1 lemon

handful of ice

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until completely smooth. (You may need to use a tamper to help the ingredients reach the blades.)

Add more water, if needed to facilitate blending, then serve immediately.

Notes

If you do not have access to a high-powered blender, I recommend blending the leafy greens and water first, until they are completely broken down, before adding the fruit and ice to the mix. Also, you may prefer using spinach, rather kale, as it will dissolve into the smoothie more seamlessly.

Comments

i finally understand why leafy greens can be mixed with fruit (as they are not ‘vegetables’, but in fact leaves) However, how does cucumber fit into the equation? it is a vegetable…and according to all food combining “rules”, it shouldn’t be mixed with fruit?

then again…all of our bodies are different and somethnig that uspets one person’s stomach is fine on another person’s stomach!

I got rid of my juicer when I purchased my vitamix, but it is super easy to juice still if you only have a blender. After everything is processed I just strain the contents through a nut bag and squeeze the liquid out so the pulp remains in the bag. If you don’t have a nut bag you can use a clean pair of nylons. The only thing is that the pulp isnt as dry as a juicer but it still works.

Hi Megan,
I tried this today and really enjoyed it! The only thing I left out was the cucumber because I didn’t have one. It was really filling and more palatable than I thought it would be. Thanks for the recipe!

Hey there! This is AMAZING… Thanks for the recipe! I’d like to share it on my blog in an upcoming post where I talk about some of my favorite recipes that I’m using during my current cleanse… May I link to this recipe and use your photo if I attribute it to YOU? Please let me know! Thanks!

This sounds like a great combo! I tend to get stuck making the same blended combo over and over. I’ll for sure try this one! I don’t have a juicer but was recently at a cafe where the girl made me a green juice and then blended in an avocado. It was fantastic because it had the taste and benefits of juicing but still felt slightly more filling because of the smooth/rich avocado added to it

Hi. Probably a silly question, but how would you prepare this if you were juicing rather than blending? (I’m new to juicing…) Would you “juice” a frozen banana? Still add water? Do you “juice” the avocado as well?… I was also wondering whether in the future you might be able to post a few juicing recipes? Ie a few basic green juice combos you use, some sweeter ones, etc…? That would be so helpful! Thank you.

** I followed your reader’s suggestion above and juiced everything but the avocado and frozen banana; then I threw it in the blendtec and blended it with the avocado and banana and a little ice. Delicious! It felt thicker and more satisfying than just drinking juice (in my opinion), but I tolerated it much better because the fiber had been removed – and I still got the benefits of the greens! Yay. And yum! Thanks again.

Is there a reason why one should not use the stems from the kale? I use kale in all my smoothies. I separate the leaves and stems, freeze the leaves to use as needed. I save the washed stems, freeze and use them in the smoothies also. do they have the same nutritional value? I have not tasted a difference. Tried it because I hate to waste any produce if possible. Thanks for this recipe. Sounds yummy!

Have never been one for having a smoothie for breakfast, but I decided to try the Blended Green Lemonade and I’m glad I did. I have now ditched the bowl of cereal and only have smoothie’s for breakfast.

I LOVE this shake. My family love making juice but I don’t have room for a juicer in my little student flat so I was very happy to come by your healthy shake recipes that I can use my little smoothie blender to make. I like to put some fresh ginger in with the original recipe, or sometimes I use lime instead of lemon and throw loads of mint in with that – mojito style! I tend to use spinach because kale generally isn’t available in the shops near me but I feel like it works just as well.

I like to have this shake as a mid-afternoon pick me up (when I start getting major sugar or nap cravings)so when I want an extra kick I also add matcha (a green tea powder) which tastes pretty terrible by itself but isn’t detectable in this lovely concoction.

Hi Megan! This looks amazing but I have an issue, I am allergic to bananas and I am lactose intolerant. I know that bananas are usually used to replace yogurt or milk but is there something else that I could use in replace of the banana?

Trackbacks

[…] It’s great for your skin, joints, thyroid, and digestion. The second picture is a fantastic Blended Green Lemonade from The Detoxinista. I made my green smoothie per the recipe, but added frozen strawberries to my […]

Recent Posts

Archives

Disclaimer:

This blog is not intended to be used as medical or nutritional advice. Information and statements regarding health claims on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet and exercise routine. You are ultimately responsible for your own health!